Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Renewals

You can renew your driver's license or ID card up to 150 days before the expiration date and no later than 2 years after the expiration date.

Can I renew my driver's license if my privilege to operate a motor vehicle is under suspension?

If your driver's license is suspended in Georgia or any other state your driver's license will not be renewed until the privilege to have a driver's license is restored. You can apply for an ID card during a driver's license suspension.

I'm not prepared to take a picture; can I use the photo currently on file from a previous Georgia driver's license/ID card?

A new photo is mandatory if you are unable to renew your Georgia driver's license online and are required to enter a Customer Service Center to renew.

Can I use my P.O Box as my address?

Yes, a P.O. Box can be printed on your Georgia driver's license, but we are required to maintain a verifiable residential address for your record also.

Who do I contact to check on the delivery status of my permanent Georgia driver's license/ID card?

Customers will have their permanent Georgia driver's license/ID card mailed to them before the interim's expiration date if they meet all eligibility and verification requirements. The new driver's license/ID card will be received within 30 days of receiving the interim document.

What should I do if my permanent Georgia driver's license/ID card is not delivered within 30 days?

If you live in the Metro Atlanta area, call Department of Driver Services (DDS) customer contact center 678-413-8400 to speak with a representative who can assist you. If you live outside Metro Atlanta, call the DDS customer contact center at 1-866-754-3687.

Should I keep the interim Georgia driver's license/ID card after my driver's license/ID card arrives in the mail?

When you receive the permanent Georgia driver's license or ID card, the interim (temporary) driver's license/ID card must be destroyed to safeguard personal information.

If my spouse is active duty military and stationed overseas, but I reside in a state other than Georgia, can I follow the renewal military process?

No, the spouse/dependent must physically reside with the person while on active duty in order to utilize the military renewal process.

If I got married while stationed overseas; can I change my last name to my new married name through mail renewal?

No, mailed renewals will not allow any changes to personal information on the Georgia driver's license (name, address, etc.). This update can only be made at a Customer Service Center.

Is it possible for someone else to come in to renew my Georgia driver's license for me?

No, the licensee is required to appear in person to renew their Georgia driver's license.

Will my mailing address be displayed on my Georgia driver's license/ ID card if it is a P.O. Box?

The mailing address information provided by the customer will be shown on the driver's license; this could be a residential address or a P.O. Box.

Can I get a new Georgia driver's license with "under 21" removed, if I renew before my 21st birthday?

No, you must renew on your 21st birthday or after in order to have the "under 21" removed.

I recently renewed my Georgia driver's license for 8 years, now I'm moving out of state, am I entitled to a refund?

DDS does not offer any refunds for any unused portion of a license term.

What documentation do I need to bring when renewing a driver's license/ID card?

Documentation showing your identity, residential address, full security number, and U.S. citizenship or proof of lawful presence in the United States. Click here for more information.

If the interim license issued to me at the Customer Service Center is lost or destroyed before the delivery of my permanent Georgia driver's license/ID card, how can I replace it?

Customers should return to a Customer Service Center with appropriate documentation and request another interim card. A standard $5 fee for lost driver's license replacement will apply. Click here for a list of acceptable documents to bring.

What do I do if I discovered that my temporary license contains an error resulting in an invalid license or identification?

Please contact us immediately so we can replace the card at no charge to you.

How long does it take for the new license to arrive ?

You should receive your permanent DL/ID card within 14 days of receiving your temporary. However, please contact us if you have not received it after 30 days at 678-413-8400.

How do I renew my Georgia driver's license if I am currently out-of-state?

If you are a full-time student attending school out-of-state outside of Georgia, a U.S. citizen working overseas or military personnel on active duty, you can request a Georgia driver's license/ID card renewal through the mail. This privilege is also extended to spouses and dependents of military personnel holding a licenses or ID, and living with the person who is on duty in a foreign domain or in a state other than Georgia. DDS mail-in renewal option has more information and instructions on this method of license and ID renewal.